The debate over all-ages shows draws to an end ... but the battle isn't over

By Christie Chisholm

The debate over whether or not to serve alcohol at all-ages shows began early this spring and will be debated on Aug. 26, when a hearing before the state alcohol and gaming commission is scheduled in the City Council chambers.

Because we know you are as excited as we are, here's a list of candidates who qualified for the Oct. 4 municipal election, as of Aug. 8. As always, look for our comprehensive election issue, complete with candidate interviews and endorsements, on racks Sept. 15.

America should have heeded opponents of the Iraq War

By Jim Scarantino

Before the war, we stood on Central, by the UNM bookstore, waving little signs. How could we see so clearly what was coming in Iraq, and the rest of country be so blind? Police barricaded Central to prevent drivers from noticing us. Then they came with gas and clubs. Our children washed their burning eyes across the street at the Frontier Restaurant.

Dateline: Scotland—In the wake of 85-year-old actor James Doohan's recent death, The Times of London is reporting that no less than four Scottish cities are scrambling to lay claim as the birthplace of Doohan's beloved “Star Trek” character Montgomery “Scotty” Scott. Linlithgow in central Scotland was the first to claim the starship engineer as its future son. Local City Councilor Willie Dunn told the newspaper Linlithgow had “information” that Scotty was supposed to have been born in the city in the year 2222. The city is planning to erect a plaque honoring him to boost tourism. But now, the cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Elgin have all come forward claiming the fictional character. Aberdeen believes Scotty was born there in 2220, citing a fan website which quotes a “Star Trek” episode in which the U.S.S. Enterprise's chief engineer refers to himself as an “Aberdeen pub crawler.” Doohan, who died on July 20, often admitted that his Scottish accent was based on someone from Aberdeen whom he had met during military service in Britain in World War II. Edinburgh, however, cites another web page which lists Scotty's birthplace as “Edinburgh, Earth.” Meanwhile, city officials in Elgin say that Doohan named their city as his character's hometown in an interview. Linlithgow's Dunn accused the other cities as “boldly clinging to our coattails.”

Several councilors apparently spent the July semi-vacation sharpening their axes for the Aug. 1 meeting instead of relaxing. However, the Council unanimously passed Councilor Martin Heinrich's bill approving a $65,000 contract with the Sirolli Institute for community-based enterprise development in the Southeast Heights. Councilor Tina Cummins was excused.

Tahitian Dance Workshop

By Mayo Lua de Frenchie

Don't get it twisted. Tahitian dance is not the hula. Tahitian dance is centered around the hips for storytelling instead of the hands, and it's from … wait for it … Tahiti, not Hawaii. This style, also called 'Ori Tahiti, is a far more aggressive style in most cases, especially from the male dancers. Shock. Kellie Villicano of the Ka Lā Kapu Polynesian Dance School brings this Tahitian Dance Workshop…

Winterfest 2018

By Mayo Lua de Frenchie

Ready to get in the holiday spirit? Yeah, neither are we. Fortunately, a little community spirit and fellowship can be infectious. The good ol' city of the 505 is doing their damnedest to provide a little Christmas conversion therapy with this year's Winterfest. Civic Plaza becomes a holly, jolly winter wonderland just two days after Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 3 to 7pm. Just what makes this so jolly? What the hell could be more merry than the opening of the Holiday Ice Qube Skating Rink with free skating and $3 skate rentals? Local vendors ease the blow with handmade goods and retail therapy. Not to mention, wintery comfort foods, hot cocoa, eggnog and adult libations are abound, thank goddess. The seasonal décor is up and the fat dude in the red suit is there to listen to requests for all the needless crap on your wishlist. This is a free and all-ages event. So put on a coat, skate like a Peanut and get in the damn spirit.

New Mexico Restaurant Association

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